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Author Topic: HRT Cold Turkey  (Read 1486 times)

Lasandro

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HRT Cold Turkey
« on: February 20, 2018, 12:57:21 PM »

Started HRT Premarin at 29 after a full hysterectomy. Am now 59, 60 in Dec '18 blood clot found in leg Sept '17 I was taken off HRT by hospital doctors in Oct '17 due to another blood clot, it has been a hard journey, everything I read about the 'menopause' I experienced, hot flushes, day and night, hair loss, poor skin, flakey nails, have never felt so unfeminine, but given the high risk, I am perservering, not that my GP would perscribe me HRT, I have been perscribed citalopram which has taken the edge off feeling so low, I have to perservere as there is no alternative, and I do not know enough about Homeopathic alternatives, am not sure I would even try any, but, some days are good, others I feel awful, quality of life is more important, but then given the clots, is it?
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Dancinggirl

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Re: HRT Cold Turkey
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2018, 01:28:27 PM »

Hi and welcome to MM Lasandro

You poor thing - it is hard to have to suddenly cope with flushes etc.  Have they identified why you are getting clots?

Citalopram is a good SSRI to help with menopause symptoms but to help your body cope even better and get your health back on track, then looking at life-style is the best way forward, whether using HRT or not.

Have a good look at your diet and exercise to see what you can improve and we often forget that relaxation techniques can be very helpful as well. 

Few alternative remedies have proved to be that helpful I'm afraid ( I have spent a fortune trying all sorts) - there are some women who have success but if herbals and homeopathic were truly beneficial then they would be available on prescription on the NHS.

I am in my early 60s and stopped HRT over 18 months ago - it's not been easy but I have literally adjusted my life to cope.  I pace myself much more, say “NO” to doing too much, build relaxation into my day and eat small nutritious meals regularly.  I take lots of brisk walks with my dog and keep moving. I slap on masses of moisturiser to stop my skin from flaking and itching. It takes discipline and hard work.
Keep posting.  DG x
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CLKD

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  • changes can be scary, even when we want them
Re: HRT Cold Turkey
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2018, 02:31:07 PM »

Which specialist have you seen?  You need to know what caused the clots so that any future medication can be addressed.

Have a browse round at the green treatment section above. 

Also, do be aware that as oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: nostrils, eyes, deep in the ears, vagina, skin - so a good moisturiser used regularly may help, as can dedicated vaginal atrophy treatment which is very localised.  VA can mimic repeated urine infection-type symptoms - that is the need to pee a lot, burning, dryness, irritation.

A lack of oestrogen can cause laxity of muscles = aches and pains which an over-the-counter pain relief can ease.

Browse round.  Make notes.
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Mary G

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Re: HRT Cold Turkey
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2018, 07:16:25 PM »

Lasandro, I would get another opinion from a menopause specialist on that if I were you.  I think you will find that some specialists are OK about bio identical, transdermal oestrogen for women with your condition - it has a lower risk of blood clots.  You don't need the dreaded progesterone either so I would have thought your overall risk would be minimal. 

This isn't gospel but I'm sure Professor Studd would prescribe oestrogen for you.  You could try ringing his secretary and ask if he prescribes HRT for women with your condition before committing to an appointment.  Definitely don't give up on this, your quality of life is very important.
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Emerald2017

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Re: HRT Cold Turkey
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2018, 08:55:46 PM »

I just want to say a hi! Sorry for feeling so bad! I agree with Mary G, your quality of life is too important and if you suffer so much maybe it's a good idea not to give up estrogen so suddenly. Your body and your health in general will suffer. Your are addicted to exogenous estrogen for so long! Maybe to go to another specialist for help. 🌹
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Emerald2017

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Re: HRT Cold Turkey
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2018, 09:37:41 PM »

Maybe patches or Tibolone are safer? Just a though...
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Shadyglade

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Re: HRT Cold Turkey
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2018, 04:03:08 PM »

Hi Lasandro

Sorry to hear about your problems.  First of all Alternative therapies DO work for many women and the fact they are not prescribed is because they are not medicines but remedies.  So don't be put off.  The first place I would suggest you start is with the book that helped me through the menopause and is on Dr Curries recommended reading list, on this forum.

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/remedies.php

This book gives lots of info on finding natural, non HRT ways to cope with meno symptons. 

I do hope you find something to help you.

Best of Luck
Shadyglade
 
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